Creatinine based equations and glomerular filtration rate: interpretation and clinical relevance

Abstract

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is now a major public health problem globally, more so in developing countries with Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) being the most affected sub-region.1 A systematic review and metaanalysis estimated CKD prevalence in SSA to be 13.9%.2 In Ghana the true prevalence still remains unknown. The growing burden of CKD in Africa can be largely attributed to the rising prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and chronic glomerulonephritis.1,3 CKD affects people who are economically productive in the African continent1. Aside the heightened cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, CKD imposes huge economic burden on affected individuals and their care takers.1,3 Additionally patients with CKD suffer from various psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, cognitive dysfunction amongst others.4,5 Thus the disease, cost of treatment and these psychological problems may lead to poor quality of life. It is therefore imperative to make accurate diagnosis. The diagnosis of CKD is usually made by estimating Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR). Measuring GFR is relatively cumbersome therefore more simple endogenous variables have been used to estimate renal function. The most commonly used variable is serum creatinine